Prescribing Medications for Opioid Use Disorder in Hospitals
Author Information
Author(s): Ashley Burke, Nina Vadiei, Lea Mollon
Primary Institution: Banner – University Medical Center South
Hypothesis
What factors predict the prescribing of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) at hospital discharge?
Conclusion
Less than one-third of patients with opioid use disorder who experienced opioid withdrawal during hospitalization were prescribed medications for opioid use disorder at discharge.
Supporting Evidence
- 30.1% of patients with opioid use disorder were discharged with medications for opioid use disorder.
- Patients with moderate opioid withdrawal had higher odds of being prescribed medications for opioid use disorder.
- Patients discharged from the largest hospital in Phoenix had higher odds of receiving medications for opioid use disorder.
Takeaway
When people with opioid use disorder are in the hospital and go through withdrawal, many don't get the medicine they need when they leave. This study looked at why that happens.
Methodology
This was a multicenter, retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at three hospitals in Arizona, analyzing patient data from January 1, 2021, to January 1, 2022.
Potential Biases
Potential biases include reliance on accurate chart documentation and the exclusion of patients with chronic pain diagnoses.
Limitations
The study did not collect data on the primary admitting reason for each encounter or whether MOUD was offered and declined by the patient.
Participant Demographics
Most patients were 18–40 years old (71.5%), white (85.6%), and about half were male (52.4%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.003
Confidence Interval
OR 2.87 [1.44–5.69]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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